Ephesus Full-Day Tour: Temple of Artemis & Terrace Houses

Seven wonders, Roman ruins, and a hilltop pilgrimage site in one day

This full-day sightseeing tour from Kusadasi visits the major ruins of Selcuk and Ephesus with a licensed English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, and all entrance fees included. The itinerary covers the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Ancient Wonders), the Library of Celsus, the Terrace Houses with their ornate mosaics and heated flooring, the House of the Virgin Mary on a hilltop, the Basilica of St. John, and ends at Pigeon Island in Kusadasi for sunset. Pickup and drop-off from your hotel are included; the Terrace Houses entrance fee is optional at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Ephesus and Selcuk highlights

• Visit Temple of Artemis ruins
• Tour Ancient City of Ephesus
• See Temple of Hadrian at Ephesus
• Explore Great Theater of Ephesus
• Visit Celsius Library and Terrace Houses
• Tour House of the Virgin Mary
• Visit Basilica of St. John
• Stop at Selcuk Ottoman Castle viewpoint
• Enjoy sunset at Pigeon Island Kusadasi

The Experience

The day starts with pickup from your Kusadasi hotel and a drive to the Temple of Artemis, where marble foundations still rise from the surrounding swampland. Dating to the 6th century B.C., it stands as one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the world, built by the Lycian King Kreisos. Stone carvings remain visible, though many of the ruins were removed to the British Museum. From there, the tour moves into the ancient city of Ephesus itself, a Roman settlement that once thrived from the 10th century B.C. onward and is now one of the best-preserved classical ruins in existence.

Inside Ephesus, you'll walk through several major sites with your guide. The Library of Celsus, an impressive facade that once housed over 12,000 scrolls, stands as the centerpiece. The Great Theater nearby could hold up to 25,000 people and is still used for concerts today. The Temple of Hadrian features a carved figure (possibly Medusa) above the doorway, surrounded by acanthus leaves, with friezes on both sides depicting the founding of Ephesus. The Terrace Houses show how the wealthy lived: heated flooring, private hamaam baths, ornate tile work and mosaic floors have been excavated and remain on display. These homes rival modern luxury in their amenities.

After Ephesus, the route climbs to the House of the Virgin Mary, a hilltop pilgrimage site believed to be where Mary spent her final years, with John the Baptist said to have brought her there. Nearby sits the Basilica of St. John, built in 548 and completed in 565, constructed over the remains of the Apostle and styled after the Church of the Holy Apostles in Istanbul. The tour then stops at the ruined Selcuk Ottoman Castle, the highest point overlooking the town, for photos of the landscape below. The day ends back in Kusadasi at Pigeon Island, where a Byzantine castle sits on a rocky outcrop jutting into the sea. The museum inside is optional, but the views back toward the coast make it a natural place to watch the sunset before returning to your hotel.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from your hotel.
• air-conditioned coach.
• licensed English-speaking guide.
• drinking water.
• entrance fees to the Temple of Artemis, Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John, Selcuk Ottoman Castle and Pigeon Island (Kusadasi Castle).

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by SAILNSTAY

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see multiple major historical sites in one day without arranging your own transport or managing separate ticket purchases — the guide, coach and all entrance fees are coordinated for you, so the day holds together as a complete itinerary.

Top questions

What is the Temple of Artemis and why is it on this tour?

The Temple of Artemis, built in the 6th century B.C. by the Lycian King Kreisos, is one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the world. Marble foundations and stone carvings still stand in the surrounding swampland, though many of the ruins were moved to the British Museum. It is the first major stop on the tour.

Can I see the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater on the same day?

Yes. Both are in Ephesus and included on the itinerary. The Library of Celsus once held over 12,000 scrolls and still stands as an impressive facade. The Great Theater nearby could seat 25,000 people and is occasionally used for concerts today.

What are the Terrace Houses and what makes them worth visiting?

The Terrace Houses were homes of wealthy Romans in Ephesus, featuring heated flooring, private hamaam baths, ornate tiling and mosaic flooring. They have been well excavated and show how luxurious daily life was for the rich of that era. Entrance to the Terrace Houses is optional and costs $15 extra at checkout.

Does the tour include the House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John?

Yes, both are included. The House of the Virgin Mary sits on a hilltop with panoramic views over the area and is believed to be where Mary spent her final years. The Basilica of St. John, built in 548 and completed in 565, was constructed over the remains of the Apostle and is considered one of the holiest churches of its region.

How does the tour end?

The tour returns to Kusadasi and stops at Pigeon Island, a Byzantine castle site jutting into the ocean. The castle has a museum inside, but most visitors use the time to enjoy the views back over Kusadasi and watch the sunset before being dropped at your hotel.

Is transportation included in the price?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from your Kusadasi hotel, an air-conditioned coach, a licensed English-speaking guide, drinking water in the vehicle, and all entrance fees (except the optional Terrace Houses fee) are included.